Taking the Bite Out of the Mango Pest

Native green mangoes from the Philippines (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mangoes are excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, and their rich and exotic flavor is enjoyed by people all over the world. Thanks to today’s fast shipping methods, tropical fruits such as mangoes reach North America quite easily – and so do mango pests. In fact, recent restrictions on Indian mangoes have been strictly enforced in most regions of the world, including the European Union, for fear of Indian mango pests.

Indian mangoes, while not widely available in the United States, are still sold in certain areas, and may introduce foreign organisms that can threaten crops, trees, and groves. Mangoes aren’t the only banned, or severely restricted, fruits from India. In fact, other vegetables and fruits have been banned or restricted, including:

• Bitter gourd

• Eggplant

• Snake gourd

Most eggplant varieties available in the United States are grown on native soil; however, there are instances in which retailers import this vegetable from various countries, especially when eggplant is out of season in North America. Although reports are somewhat vague on the type of pests are associated with Indian mangoes, eggplant, and bitter gourds, it is conclusive that the threat against these crops is strong enough to warrant a full ban.

When dealing with insects and crops, it is always important to seek the advice of a professional pest control company in order to find ways of controlling pest infestation without destroying plants or contaminating food. Many environmentally friendly options are becoming more readily available, helping to reduce pesticide residue on food and the environment.